Quadrantids 2027: peak on 4 January, Moon 12% lit
The Quadrantids peak on 4 January and are active from 28 December to 12 January. At the peak the Moon will be 12% lit: good conditions. From Madrid, the best time is around 05:55 CET, with about 57 meteors per hour under a dark sky.
- Peak
- Active
- 28 December – 12 January
- Peak rate (ZHR)
- 80 per hour
- Moon at peak
- 12% ·
- Radiant
- Boötes (RA 230°, Dec +49°)
- Speed
- 41 km/s
- Parent body
- 2003 EH1
In 2028: peak on 4 January, Moon 44% lit.
Peak night in your city
| City | Best time | Meteors/hour* | Radiant rises | Moon-free dark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MadridSpain | 05:55 CET | 57 | All night | 11 hrs |
| IstanbulTürkiye | 07:23 TRT | 60 | All night | 11 hrs |
| São PauloBrazil | Not visible | 6 hrs 40 mins | ||
| Mexico CityMexico | 03:22 CST | 6 | 01:22 CST | 9 hrs 40 mins |
| Rio de JaneiroBrazil | Not visible | 6 hrs 50 mins | ||
| AnkaraTürkiye | 06:59 TRT | 60 | All night | 11 hrs |
| BursaTürkiye | 05:44 TRT | 59 | All night | 11 hrs |
| IzmirTürkiye | 07:25 TRT | 58 | All night | 10 hrs 50 mins |
| Buenos AiresArgentina | Not visible | 5 hrs 40 mins | ||
| Belo HorizonteBrazil | Not visible | 7 hrs | ||
* Estimate for a dark rural sky, taking the radiant’s altitude and the Moon into account. From a city you will see far fewer. Local time for each city.
ZHR: meteors per hour with the radiant overhead and a perfectly dark sky. In practice you see fewer.
How to watch
No telescope or binoculars needed. Find a dark spot away from lights, lie back looking at the highest part of the sky and give your eyes 20 minutes to adapt. Meteors appear in every direction; their trails point back to the radiant.
Frequently asked questions
What time are the most Quadrantids visible?
When the radiant is high and the sky is dark, usually in the second half of the night. From Madrid, on the peak night the best time is around 05:55 CET.
Will the Moon interfere?
At the peak the Moon will be 12% lit. Above 65 % with the Moon high, faint meteors are lost; try watching when the Moon is below the horizon, or with your back to it.
Source and accuracy
IAU 010 QUA